Moving to New Mexico in 2026
The lowest property taxes in America, 300+ sunny days, and a cost of living that lets you actually build wealth. The state people don't know about yet.
0.67%
Avg property tax
$357K
Median home price
300+
Sunny days/year
57
Avg days on market
New Mexico at a Glance
Tax Advantage
Lowest property taxes in America at 0.67% average. State income tax is modest (1.7%-5.9%). Retirement income is partially exempt. No estate or inheritance tax. Total tax burden is often lower than TX when you factor property taxes.
Housing Market
Median home price $357K with tight inventory (~57 days on market). Prices increasing marginally in 2026. ABQ is attracting first-time buyers and tech workers. Santa Fe is competitive for second homes. Las Cruces is the affordability play.
Job Market
Sandia National Labs, Los Alamos National Lab, Spaceport America, Netflix studios, Blue Origin. Growing sectors: aerospace, quantum computing, healthcare, advanced energy, film. High-paying federal jobs concentrated in ABQ and Los Alamos.
Climate
300+ sunny days per year. Arid desert climate with low humidity. Mild winters in southern NM (Las Cruces). Cooler mountains in Santa Fe/Taos. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts — hiking, skiing, and everything in between.
Culture
Unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures found nowhere else. World-class food scene (green chile everything). Art galleries, adobe architecture, and a creative community. Truly one-of-a-kind lifestyle.
Affordability
Cost of living 5-10% below national average. Housing significantly cheaper than AZ, CO, and coastal CA. Groceries, utilities, and healthcare costs are all below average. Your dollar stretches further here than almost anywhere in the West.
Who's Moving to New Mexico?
Retirees, remote workers, and affordability seekers — primarily from neighboring states.
| Origin State | Why They Leave | Where They Go in NM |
|---|---|---|
| Texas (#1) | Property taxes, heat | Las Cruces, ABQ |
| California | Cost, taxes, congestion | Santa Fe, ABQ |
| Colorado | Rising costs | Santa Fe, Taos |
| Arizona | Heat, rising costs | ABQ, Santa Fe |
| Washington | Cost, weather | ABQ, Las Cruces |
Top New Mexico Cities for Relocation
Albuquerque
Tech workers, culture, affordable
Pros & Cons of Moving to New Mexico
✅ Pros
- ✓ Lowest property taxes in US
- ✓ 300+ sunny days/year
- ✓ Affordable vs neighboring states
- ✓ Unique culture found nowhere else
- ✓ Growing tech/aerospace jobs
- ✓ Low insurance costs
- ✓ Retirement-friendly tax policy
- ✓ Stunning natural beauty
⚠️ Cons
- ✗ Has state income tax (1.7-5.9%)
- ✗ Slower population growth
- ✗ Limited public transit
- ✗ Some areas have higher crime
- ✗ Fewer major employers vs TX/FL
- ✗ Rural areas losing population
- ✗ Water scarcity concerns
- ✗ Limited nightlife outside ABQ/SF